Expanding the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams could create serious challenges for FIFA from both organizational and sporting perspectives. This view was expressed by former Russia head coach Boris Ignatyev. euro-football.ru reports reports .
According to the expert, the new format that makes qualification easier for Asian and African national teams primarily serves commercial interests. However, in terms of sporting spectacle, the group stage will feature more matches with predictable outcomes: top teams will not face enough resistance.
“From a competitive standpoint, the start of the tournament will become somewhat ‘blurred’: favorites will get out of their groups easily. In the playoffs, fatigue will build up, so the matches won’t be as entertaining as before,” Ignatyev said. His comments were quoted by Gazeta.Ru.
As a reminder, the 2026 World Cup will be held in three North American countries — the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The tournament kicks off on June 11, with the final scheduled for July 19.
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